When Bella gets in trouble or she knows I'm not pleased with what she is doing, she will turn to me and say "Where's your happy face?". She is hoping that I will smile and everything will be all better with a smile. Despite her illness, there have been a lot of smiles around our house these past few months.
Unfortunately, my "happy face" is broken. Last week, I was battling a cold/flu virus....you know, the scratchy throat, body aches, stuffiness, numb tongue. Okay, so numb tongue isn't a typical symptom, but it was my first sign that something was wrong.
I first noticed it last Thursday at lunch time. My tongue just didn't feel right while I was eating. I felt really sick on Friday with a fever and all the fun things that normally occur with a bad cold. On Friday night, I was watching TV with my hubby and kids when I thought my face was starting to feel funny, too. I went into the bathroom, smiled in the mirror, and sure enough.....the right side of my face was paralyzed.
Yep! It's called Bell's Palsy. I knew exactly what it was because I've treated patients with the condition in my practice. Needless to say, I wasn't happy. For the most part, it is temporary and usually resolves within a few weeks to months. My husband was able to start acupuncture and chiropractic treatments on me immediately. I have also started taking some nutritional supplements to speed the healing process.
My mom asked, "What does it look like?". Well, it looks like I've had a stroke. The right side of my face droops, I have difficulty closing my right eye, and I'm unable to smile. There are no fine lines or wrinkles on that side either. For the last 2 days, I've had quite a bit of pain with headaches, face, and ear pain. My speech isn't great and my "bad" eye is sensitive to light and fatigues easily. This makes it harder to do any computer work or stamping (and I have a ton of new stamping supplies just begging to be used).
Obviously my posting schedule may be a little erratic for awhile until this gets better. I'm hopeful that this will resolve quickly and I'll be able to return to doing all the things I love. I have taken at least 2 weeks off from work, and will be revamping my upcoming stamping events. I'll post an update when that is ready.
Thanks for stopping by!
I had Bell's Palsy when I was in 1st grade. My mom sent me to school - it was picture day! We did do retakes, but now I wish I had the original picture. I am now 42 and just fine- never happened again
Posted by: Sarah Ogden | May 10, 2012 at 07:59 AM
praying for you.
Posted by: trish brunkhart | May 10, 2012 at 08:55 PM
Oh my! I hope you will get better soon! Thinking positive thoughts for you and Bella!
Posted by: Lisa S. | May 10, 2012 at 09:21 PM
Get better soon....
Posted by: Maria | May 10, 2012 at 11:05 PM
As if y'all didn't have enough to deal with. I hope this resolves quickly. My Grandmother had Bells Palsy
Posted by: Deb B (Debadoo) | May 11, 2012 at 01:07 PM
Hope you are up and back at it soon!
Posted by: kerry m | May 12, 2012 at 09:28 AM
Melissa, hope you are on your way to a speedy recovery. Prayers and (((hugs))) for you my friend.
Posted by: Twila Davis | May 24, 2012 at 07:38 AM